Mumbai: Save greenery in Aarey, repair damaged roads and reduce traffic congestion are the demands of voters of Goregaon, Jogeshwari and Andheri areas. On the eve of their big day, the residents claimed their foremost issues must be addressed irrespective of any party who assumes power.
The focus of their parliamentarian must be these issues, the residents said, as the redressal of their grievances will help them overcome many obstacles of life, as they have been troubled since a long time. They revealed Aarey is the only major green area in the city, and must be protected. Sushant Jagtap, a Goregaon resident, said, “Aarey Colony has been a solace for trees and wildlife and it should be protected.
The Metro 3 construction has led to felling of trees, but we want the lawmakers to protect and conserve this green belt. In recent years, summers have been getting hotter, and trees are the only resource that can help us tackle the global phenomenon.”
Roads on the Western-Express Highway (WEH) are damaged and ridden with potholes, claim commuters. Gitanjali Das, an Andheri resident, said, “This highway connects all major points in Mumbai and is used by a large number of commuters daily. The roads need immediate repair and candidates should take a note and mend it on priority.”
It takes several hours to reach home or go to work, school or college, claim youngsters. Kshitij Naik, a student, said, “I reach faster from my college at Churchgate to Jogeshwari by train. But it takes a lot of time to reach me home from Jogeshwari station. Traffic congestion is compelling residents to shift to other parts.”
The hassled voters voiced their concerns are more important to them than any political party. Nicole Mendonca, a resident, said, “We don’t care who and which party wins. We want our problems addressed.” Jamal Shakeel, another resident, said, “Candidates should improve civic standards of living and come to the rescue of the residents, facing important issues.”